An International Driver's Permit is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into multiple languages

An International Driver's Permit (IDP) is not a separate license. It is a booklet that shows your valid driver's license information — your name, photo, driving history, and license class — translated into ten languages. It exists so a police officer or car rental company in another country can read and verify your driving credentials without needing an interpreter or a translation service.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or licensing authority. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the two organizations authorized to issue IDPs. You must hold a valid U.S. driver's license to get one, and the IDP is valid only as long as your home license is valid.

Many countries recognize the IDP as proof of driving authority when you rent a car or are stopped by police. However, some countries do not recognize it, and a few require additional documents alongside it. The IDP does not replace your home license — you must carry both documents together when driving internationally.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driver's Permit is a translation booklet, not a new license, and is valid only when carried with your original U.S. driver's license.
  • In the United States, AAA and AATA are the only authorized organizations to issue IDPs, and you must have a valid state driver's license to obtain one.
  • Most car rental companies outside the U.S. will ask for an IDP when you rent, even if the country does not legally require one.
  • An IDP is typically valid for one year from the date of issue and costs between $15 and $30 depending on the issuing organization.
  • Some countries do not recognize the IDP and may require a certified translation of your license or a separate driving permit instead.

Why you need an IDP when renting a car abroad

Car rental companies in most countries will not rent to you without an IDP, even if local law does not technically require one. The rental company uses the IDP to verify your identity and driving status in a language their staff can read. Without it, you may be turned away at the counter, or the company may charge you a higher rate or refuse to provide certain vehicle classes.

Police in some countries will also request an IDP during a traffic stop. While a few nations recognize a U.S. license alone, most expect to see the IDP as proof that you are a licensed driver in your home country. Carrying both documents together protects you from disputes about your right to drive.

The IDP is especially important if you plan to drive in Europe, Asia, or Latin America. Countries in these regions have standardized on the IDP as the accepted form of international driving documentation. If you are traveling to a country that does not recognize the IDP, you will need a certified translation of your license instead, which is a different process and takes longer to arrange.

How to get an International Driver's Permit in the United States

You can obtain an IDP from either AAA or AATA. Both organizations follow the same international standards and issue identical documents. The process is straightforward and does not require a test or interview.

To explore in person at an AAA office, bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form (available at the office or online), one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches), and the fee. AAA issues the IDP on the spot, and you walk out with it the same day. AATA also accepts in-person applications at their office in New York City and issues the permit when ready.

Both AAA and AATA accept mail-in applications. You will need to send your driver's license, a completed process, a passport photo, and payment. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks. Some AAA offices also accept online applications followed by in-person pickup, which is faster than mail but requires a visit to a local branch.

The cost is usually $15 to $20 at AAA and $20 to $30 at AATA, depending on your membership status and the process method. AAA members often receive a discount. The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue.

What information appears on an International Driver's Permit

The IDP is a small booklet, roughly the size of a passport. The front cover displays your photo, name, date of birth, and the date of issue and expiration. Inside, the booklet repeats your license information in ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish.

The IDP includes your license number, the class or type of vehicle you are licensed to drive, any restrictions on your license (such as corrective lenses or automatic transmission only), and your signature. It does not include your driving history, violations, or points — only the fact that you hold a valid license in your home country.

The IDP is not a photo ID in the way a passport is. It is a companion document meant to be read alongside your original license. If you are asked for identification by police, you should present both your IDP and your U.S. driver's license together.

Countries that recognize the International Driver's Permit

Most countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 International Conventions on Motor Vehicle Traffic recognize the IDP. This includes nearly all of Europe, most of Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and many countries in Latin America and Africa. The IDP is especially well-established in Europe, where it is the standard document for international driving.

However, recognition is not universal. Some countries have their own requirements or do not recognize the IDP at all. For example, a few nations require a certified translation of your U.S. license in addition to or instead of an IDP. Others may require you to obtain a temporary driving permit from their own licensing authority before you arrive.

Before you travel, check the specific requirements of the country where you will be driving. Your car rental company, the country's embassy or consulate website, or an international travel guide can tell you whether an IDP is sufficient or whether you need additional documents. This step takes only a few minutes and can prevent problems at the rental counter or during a traffic stop.

How long an International Driver's Permit is valid

An IDP issued in the United States is valid for one year from the date of issue. After one year, it expires and is no longer recognized by rental companies or police. If you plan to drive internationally again after the expiration date, you will need to obtain a new IDP.

The IDP is also valid only as long as your U.S. driver's license remains valid. If your home license expires, is suspended, or is revoked, your IDP becomes invalid when ready, even if the one-year period has not ended. If you renew your U.S. license, you will need a new IDP as well, because the IDP must match your current license information.

Some travelers obtain an IDP before a long trip and then keep it in a drawer for years, assuming it will be good for future travel. This is a common mistake. Always check the expiration date on your IDP before you travel, and renew it if necessary. A new IDP takes only a few days to a few weeks to obtain, depending on whether you explore in person or by mail.

International Driver's Permit versus certified translation

A certified translation is a formal translation of your driver's license into another language, prepared by a professional translator and notarized or certified by an official body. It is different from an IDP and serves a different purpose.

The IDP is a pre-printed booklet issued by your home country's automobile association. It is recognized internationally and does not require you to arrange anything with a translator. A certified translation is a one-time document you arrange yourself, usually through a translation service or notary public, and it translates your license into a single language (usually the language of the country where you are traveling).

Most travelers should get an IDP, not a certified translation. The IDP is faster, cheaper, and more widely recognized. However, if you are traveling to a country that does not recognize the IDP, or if you need your license translated into a language not covered by the IDP, a certified translation may be necessary. Check the requirements of your destination country before you decide which document to pursue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driver's Permit if I am just visiting a country and not renting a car?

If you are not driving, you do not need an IDP. However, if you plan to rent a car, use a ride-sharing service that requires you to drive, or drive someone else's vehicle, you should have one. Many travelers obtain an IDP before a trip just in case, since it is inexpensive and takes little time to get.

Can I use an International Driver's Permit to drive in the United States?

No. The IDP is for driving outside your home country. In the United States, you must have a valid U.S. driver's license. If you are a visitor to the U.S., you may be able to drive on your home country's license for a limited time, but requirements vary by state. Check with the state where you will be driving.

What happens if my International Driver's Permit expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is not recognized by rental companies or police. If your IDP expires during a trip, you cannot legally rent a car or drive. Plan ahead and renew your IDP before you travel if it is close to expiration. If you are already abroad and your IDP expires, contact your country's embassy or consulate for guidance on temporary driving authorization.

Can I get an International Driver's Permit if my U.S. driver's license is suspended or revoked?

No. You must hold a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver's license to obtain an IDP. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored and valid again.

Do I need an International Driver's Permit if I am moving to another country permanently?

An IDP is temporary and is meant for visitors, not residents. If you are moving to another country, you will need to obtain a driver's license in that country according to its own rules. An IDP may help you drive legally during the transition period while you complete the licensing process in your new country, but it is not a long-term solution.